Le Havre (2011) directed by Aki Kaurismaki
Le Havre is a feel good movie that celebrates compassion and rewards good deeds. It is a simple film with a simple message, though I suspect it's the type of film that will get derided by cynics and nihilists. Let the haters hate, let us lovers love.
The hero of the film is Marcel, a hard working fifty-something year old shoeshine man who hustles and bustles for his daily keep. He lives a simple and modest life with his loving wife who one day suddenly goes ill with little hope for recovery. At the same time, a container full of African immigrants is discovered at the port. A young boy, Idrissa, escapes from the scene where he crosses paths with Marcel.
Their first encounter is a strange one. Marcel is eating alone in a secluded spot by the water where he suddenly sees the young black boy staring back at him from the water. It is an almost absurd scene but it makes you wonder. What would you do in this situation? The first few seconds are crucial. They do not move, they do not speak, they only exchange glances. There is no protocol for encountering a strange boy in the water staring at you, but without much thought or deliberation Marcel offers Idrissa some of his food and with this gesture suddenly becomes his protector.
Eventually Marcel hides the boy at his place while the authorities look for him. It is interesting to note that Marcel never reveals why he is helping him, nor does the boy ask him. The film doesn't need to give reasons as if kindness and compassion are the natural order of things. It goes without saying. And this is the theme of the film, people helping out others. The grocer offers Marcel his extra food, the baker gives him some extra bread, the bar owner agrees to look after the boy while Marcel is away. Even the inspector on the case may not be trying his hardest to catch the boy. It is a community in the truest sense. Perhaps the most telling scene is when Idressa meets Marcel's wife in the hospital. She has never laid eyes on this strange black boy, yet she is not the least bit surprised or affected when he says that Marcel has sent him. She simply accepts him there on the spot no questions asked.
We know something that Marcel does not, that his wife does not have long to live and we suspect something tragic may happen somewhere along the way. When Marcel sends Idrissa to meet his wife instead of himself (who is out trying to raise money to help Idrissa escape), would this be the last time we see her? Would Marcel miss his last chance to be with his wife while helping out this complete stranger? The potential for tragedy and drama is there yet thankfully the film does not explore this route. The relationship between Marcel and Idrissa remains pure and unaffected. Marcel is determined as ever to help the boy out.
The ending is a pleasant surprise that rewards Marcel and the viewer for his good deeds. Perhaps it is unrealistically sentimental, but I will glady be manipulated to feel this glad. Sometimes our faith in each other deserves to be rewarded.
Grade: A-
Le Havre is a feel good movie that celebrates compassion and rewards good deeds. It is a simple film with a simple message, though I suspect it's the type of film that will get derided by cynics and nihilists. Let the haters hate, let us lovers love.
The hero of the film is Marcel, a hard working fifty-something year old shoeshine man who hustles and bustles for his daily keep. He lives a simple and modest life with his loving wife who one day suddenly goes ill with little hope for recovery. At the same time, a container full of African immigrants is discovered at the port. A young boy, Idrissa, escapes from the scene where he crosses paths with Marcel.
Their first encounter is a strange one. Marcel is eating alone in a secluded spot by the water where he suddenly sees the young black boy staring back at him from the water. It is an almost absurd scene but it makes you wonder. What would you do in this situation? The first few seconds are crucial. They do not move, they do not speak, they only exchange glances. There is no protocol for encountering a strange boy in the water staring at you, but without much thought or deliberation Marcel offers Idrissa some of his food and with this gesture suddenly becomes his protector.
Eventually Marcel hides the boy at his place while the authorities look for him. It is interesting to note that Marcel never reveals why he is helping him, nor does the boy ask him. The film doesn't need to give reasons as if kindness and compassion are the natural order of things. It goes without saying. And this is the theme of the film, people helping out others. The grocer offers Marcel his extra food, the baker gives him some extra bread, the bar owner agrees to look after the boy while Marcel is away. Even the inspector on the case may not be trying his hardest to catch the boy. It is a community in the truest sense. Perhaps the most telling scene is when Idressa meets Marcel's wife in the hospital. She has never laid eyes on this strange black boy, yet she is not the least bit surprised or affected when he says that Marcel has sent him. She simply accepts him there on the spot no questions asked.
We know something that Marcel does not, that his wife does not have long to live and we suspect something tragic may happen somewhere along the way. When Marcel sends Idrissa to meet his wife instead of himself (who is out trying to raise money to help Idrissa escape), would this be the last time we see her? Would Marcel miss his last chance to be with his wife while helping out this complete stranger? The potential for tragedy and drama is there yet thankfully the film does not explore this route. The relationship between Marcel and Idrissa remains pure and unaffected. Marcel is determined as ever to help the boy out.
The ending is a pleasant surprise that rewards Marcel and the viewer for his good deeds. Perhaps it is unrealistically sentimental, but I will glady be manipulated to feel this glad. Sometimes our faith in each other deserves to be rewarded.
Grade: A-
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